The character of analog and digital

OP… “What I’m trying to say is that if you’re into the music first you’re more likely to make a good judgement as to whether the SQ is enhancing the musical experience.”

When we go to choose audio equipment we go into analytical mode where we direct our minds eye (ear in this case)… to listen for differences flitting from sound to sound. Spend too much time picking out equipment like this only and this becomes how we appreciate a system… instead of being drawn into the music and making your decision from the perspective of the music..

Typically we are drawn to music by the subconscious, that is the need being satisfied by listening to music.

I always recommend you do a few minutes of analytical listening, but quickly switch to listening to the music and not the equipment… this will allow your subconscious latch on to the equipment which gives you the greater emotional connection… moves you. This allows one to do what I think you are referring. Listen to the music and let that be the guide… or you end up with an analytical sounding system. Where you can hear a musician move his foot… but miss the musicality and emotional connection.

@tomic601  +1

Mastering while important is not the whole process….

Picking up on the comparison to stick vs automatic shifting: "Enthusiasts" will say manual is the ONLY way (so much better than CD, ahem automatic). But they grudingly admit that automatic is MUCH faster (why do you think Formula 1 cars have digital ahem automatic since years). 

Whether analog or digital, one must try to obtain the musical message first then accommodate the ears to the particular sonic quality. Something we audiophiles find hard to do.

Only then can we make a truly informed judgement on SQ

But how do we play a CD backwards? 😁

It is very pointless to 'discuss' own preferncies (not directed to you) if one is not familiar with process. Seems nobody here reads the words of people who are actually responsable for the actual sound of some recording or format, like Steve Hofman in post that I ve linked before, above, or again, here, from another 'master' Kevin Grey.

@alexatpos 

I read. I also watch videos on YouTube describing everything that goes into making a vinyl record. Few good examples would be the Scott Hull video where he’s talking about the entire process, as well as a video from Analog Productions (it’s a tour of QRP more or less).

But in the end it is the result that matters and it is and will always be about personal preference of the end user. There are too many variables and moving parts involved. And as we see from this and other discussions, not every system is set up where analog and digital are on the same level. That alone is dictated by preference more often than not (just read thru the discussions on this thread).